54 Years and Still Cookin’ at Disneyland Park

Have you ever ordered “Oscar’s Choice” at Carnation Café in Disneyland Park? Ever wondered just who “Oscar” is?

Oscar is Oscar Martinez, the longest tenured Disneyland Resort cast member. He joined the company Dec. 29, 1956, and has been a Disneyland mainstay for 54 years – and at Carnation Café since 1967!

Oscar’s Choice – scrambled eggs with cheddar cheese, Oscar’s potatoes, a croissant and your choice of bacon or sausage with fresh fruit — is served daily for breakfast, made by the eponymous “Oscar” himself five mornings a week.

Once his world-famous potatoes are made, Oscar greets and seats guests on the restaurant’s patio, occasionally posing for photos with guests.

We asked Oscar a few questions:

• Favorite Disneyland attraction? “it’s a small world.”
• Favorite Disneyland restaurant? “Blue Bayou.” (He said he misses the pot roast they used to serve).
• Did you ever meet Walt? “Unfortunately, no. Though I saw him in the park, I never had the opportunity to speak with him.” Once, he said, he saw Walt at Carnation Plaza Gardens looking at the on-stage umbrellas, including one that was a different color than all the rest. Oscar said he heard Walt say: “Get that one outta’ here!”

Happily, we share Oscar’s yummy recipe.

Oscar’s Potatoes

Serves 4 to 6

1 large white onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
4 tablespoons butter, divided
2 pounds red potatoes, thinly sliced
Coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Sauté onions in 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat until translucent; remove from pan and set aside. In the same pan, add remaining butter and potatoes and sauté until lightly browned, about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Combine the onions and potatoes in an ovenproof casserole dish; cover with foil and make small slits for ventilation. Bake 45 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Serve hot.